The Anatomy of a Motorcade, From Sweepers to Rear Guard

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The Anatomy of a Motorcade, From Sweepers to Rear Guard

* Illustration: Paul Pope * The mission of a motorcade is simple: Deliver the package safely and on schedule. That means avoiding everything from rush hour to dirty bombs. And, not surprisingly, there's some science to optimizing the armed caravan, whether it's a 40-vehicle convoy carting the president or a drug lord's four-SUV private platoon dodging the DEA. Here is the feng shui of motorcade layout.

1) SweepersLocal police motorcycles and cars act as pacesetters and guides with two directives: Keep moving and monitor suspicious activity. The cops also provide intel when planning the route, which should avoid railroad crossings and minimize bridges and overpasses. And with total control over municipal traffic lights, the fuzz keep the procession traveling fast.

2) WatchtowerFor high-profile targets (prime ministers, dictators, hip hop moguls), a rig tricked out with sensors and scanners can perform a moving sweep for hazardous substances and jam radio frequencies. Excessive? In 2003, a radio jammer saved Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf when it blocked a signal being transmitted to bombs under a bridge.

3) The PackageThe VIP is placed securely in the middle of the fleet, ideally 250 yards behind the front vehicle. Standard procedure for political leaders is two or three identical limos: They play three-card monte along the route to keep would-be assassins guessing.The Ride: The Feds prefer "made in America" Cadillac DTSs, but most of the world's dignitaries ride in Mercedes S600s and BMW 7 Series. All have enough armor to stop a high-powered rifle round.

4) Armored DivisionImmediately behind the VIP are blacked-out SUVs loaded with artillery and your trench coat-clad security agents of choice. The firepower follows the VIP so it can move forward to surround the limo if needed. Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe is a little less ostentatious, filling Nissan pickups with local infantry, but the orders remain the same worldwide: Shoot to kill.